Today's Niigata Albirex game against the Shinano Grandserows was a retirement game for Shingo Takatsu. And the 6,664 fans that attended the game set a new BC League record.

When Takatsu began warming up in the bullpen in the 8th inning, he threw his pitches to Atsuya Furuta. He then took the mound with two out in the top of the 9th and got the one batter he faced to fly out to left on a 2-2 sinker.

After the game, Takatsu threw one last ceremonial last pitch to Furuta. Kosuke Fukudome was also a part of a post-game ceremony.

Said Takatsu, "My career lasted twenty-two years. I was able to play baseball with great teammates and received many amazing memories. These are my personal treasures. If I could have one wish, it would be to return here one more time. To return to the mound next year and the year after that. I was a very lucky baseball player."